Nov. 8 is National First Generation Student Day. Drake defines a first-generation student is a college student whose parents/legal guardians have not received a bachelor’s degree from a four-year university. At Drake, First-generation students make up 29% of Drake’s new student population. This includes 26.2% of new EFR students — an all-time high for Drake.

The Office of New Student and Family Programs, Drake First Gen Bulldogs Student Organization and college/school academic offices are partnering to celebrate Drake first generation students, staff, and faculty.

Here are some ways you can get involved in the celebration:

Monday November 4th:

• Zimpleman College of Business – Stop by to sign our sign in the Aliber entryway and share the people who have supported you in your college journey.
• Olmsted Center Breezeway 3-6pm: Snacks, button making and scavenger hunt activity. 

Tuesday, November 5th: 

• Zimpleman College of Business – Donut holes and fruit in the Aliber entryway from 9 – 10am. 
• First-Gen students walk to the polls – Meet in the Olmsted Breezeway at 5:00pm to walk together to the Drake voting location. Off campus students are still welcome to join even if this isn’t their voting location!  

Wednesday, November 6th:

• Zimpleman College of Business – Snacks and selfie station in the Wright Room in Aliber Hall from 1-3 pm. Griff II will visit from 1 – 2pm.
• First-Gen Bulldogs & Unity Round table Collaboration with Broadlawns Counseling Center 5:00pm Olmsted Center 312. We will have a mental health discussion as a group then making a poster and jar with positive affirmations. 

Thursday, November 7th:

• School of Education – Games available near the front desk reception on the first floor of Collier-Scripps Hall. There will be prizes for those who participate in the games and goody bags for First Gen students who stop by the desk.

National First Gen Day- Friday, November 8th: 

• School of Education – Games available near the front desk reception on the first floor of Collier-Scripps Hall. There will be prizes for those who participate in the games and goody bags for First Gen students who stop by the desk.
• College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences – Donuts with the Dean in the Cline Hall Lobby from 10-11am
• Arts & Sciences Student Support Team in Olmsted – Friday November 8th, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Write advice and inspirational notes for future First Gen students on our poster board. We also are here to listen to stories of success, to take note of areas in which we can provide additional support, and to answer questions. It is not too late for candy, swag – or questions about registration!!
• First-Gen Org Tabling in Breezeway 12-4pm – A showcase of famous first-gens and Drake Faculty/Staff will be displayed. Completed scavenger hunts can be turned in to receive a prize. 
• First Gen Faculty/Staff – We would like to offer to provide a First Gen Bulldog sign to hang outside your office door to let students know you are first gen if you are willing to put it up. If you are interested in a sign, please email marina.verlengia@drake.edu.

This collection celebrates the journeys of first-generation college students through memoirs, biographies, and works by first-generation authors. Discover stories of resilience, ambition, and the courage to forge new paths in higher education. Reach out to Cowles Library for additional resources to support your own journey.

—Marina Verlengia, Academic Excellence and Student Success